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Fees

Clear before the engagement begins.

Unpredictable invoices are the most common reason companies seek advice too late. So we put the fee model and range on the table before we start — and we keep to them.

§ I — Models & ranges

Four models. Open ranges.

Fee models

  • Orientation call (30 min.) — free of charge. We clarify whether and how we can help.
  • Legal assessment / short opinion — fixed fee from EUR 1,500 plus VAT.
  • Mandate — hourly rates, fixed fee or a fee agreement under sec. 3a RVG.
  • Ongoing counsel / outside general counsel — from EUR 2,500 per month plus VAT.
  • M&A and succession projects — project fee by scope, agreed up front.

Hourly-rate ranges

  • Associate — from EUR 250 / h plus VAT.
  • Lawyer (Rechtsanwalt) — from EUR 350 / h plus VAT.
  • Partner — from EUR 450 / h plus VAT.

Statutory fees under the German RVG form the floor in court proceedings.

§ II — Principles

Three commitments on billing.

Agreed up front. Model, range and billing rhythm are fixed in writing before work begins. If the scope of the mandate changes, we discuss fees before costs arise — not after.

Itemised and traceable. Hourly work is billed with itemised time records: you see who worked on what, and when. Fixed fees cover a defined scope; anything beyond it is flagged in advance.

Statutory frame. In German court proceedings the statutory fees under the Lawyers' Remuneration Act (RVG) form the floor. Fee agreements are concluded in text form under sec. 3a RVG. All amounts are quoted plus statutory VAT.

§ III — FAQ

What clients ask about fees.

What does the first conversation cost?

Nothing. The 30-minute orientation call is free of charge. We listen, give the matter an initial legal frame and tell you openly whether an engagement makes sense — and which fee model and range you should expect. Costs arise only if you instruct us afterwards.

What drives the level of fees?

Essentially three factors: complexity and scope, economic significance (the value at stake) and the time horizon. In the orientation call we name the fitting model and a realistic range. In German court proceedings, statutory RVG fees form the legal floor.

Do you offer fixed fees?

Yes, for matters whose scope can be defined seriously: the legal assessment from EUR 1,500 plus VAT, contract packages, trainings or defined project phases. Anything beyond the agreed scope is flagged before costs arise.

What is a fee agreement under sec. 3a RVG?

A written agreement on remuneration that deviates from the statutory fee schedule — for instance hourly rates or a fixed fee. German law requires text form and clear labelling. In court proceedings the agreement may not undercut the statutory fees; we comply with that.

Can you work for us in English?

Yes. Working language is English or German, as you prefer — including contracts, reporting and negotiations. For cross-border projects we coordinate independent local partner firms abroad while we cover the German side; reporting stays in one language and one format.

How often do you bill?

Ongoing mandates are billed monthly with itemised time records; projects are billed by agreed milestones. This keeps you in control of costs, and you can discuss the course of the matter with the responsible partner at any time.

Let's talk about the matter first — then about fees.

In a free orientation call you receive an honest assessment and a clear cost frame.

Book an orientation call →

BRANDT & FALK Rechtsanwälte is a German business-law firm with offices in Munich and Berlin. The content of this website is general information about our fields of work and does not constitute legal advice. An attorney–client relationship is established only by a separate engagement agreement. Unless stated otherwise, all fees are quoted plus statutory VAT. Our lawyers are admitted to the bar in Germany; advice on foreign law is provided by independent local partner firms.